Trek Rail 9.8 GX AXS Gen 4

The 2023 Trek Rail 9.8 GX AXS Gen 4 is a state-of-the-art e-mountain bike that stands out for its top-of-the-range components and innovative technology. Priced at EUR 10,999, this model offers an impressive combination of performance and comfort.

The main frame is made from OCLV Mountain Carbon and features a top tube that is 1.8 inches lower, ensuring better control and stability. The frame is compatible with the Bosch System Controller and features a Removable Integrated Battery (RIB), which allows for easy handling and maintenance. Other features of the frame include the Knock Block 2.0, guided internal cable routing, a 34.9 mm seat tube diameter, a magnesium shift lever and Motor Armor for additional protection.

The bike’s maximum permissible weight is 136 kg, whilst its kerb weight is 23 kg. The front and rear brakes are by SRAM and feature 200 mm and 220 mm brake discs respectively, ensuring reliable braking performance. The gearshift system consists of the SRAM GX Eagle AXS with 12 speeds, enabling precise and rapid gear changes.

The RockShox ZEB Select+ fork offers 160 mm of travel and is fitted with the DebonAir spring and Charger 3 RC2 damping. This combination ensures optimum damping and control on challenging trails. The pedals are VP-536 nylon platform pedals, which provide good foot stability.

The crankset consists of the SRAM X1 1000 with 34 teeth and a crank arm length of 165 mm. The cassette is a SRAM Eagle XG-1275 with a gear range of 10–52 teeth. The handlebars are Bontrager Line Pro made from OCLV carbon, with a width of 780 mm and a rise of 27.5 mm. The grips are Bontrager XR Trail Elite with nylon clamps.

The stem is also from Bontrager Line Pro and is Blendr-compatible, with a length of 45 mm and an angle of 0 degrees. The tyres are Bontrager SE5 Team Issue and SE6 Team Issue, both tubeless-ready with Core Strength sidewall protection and a size of 29 x 2.50 inches.

The wheelset consists of Bontrager Line Comp 30 wheels, which are tubeless-ready and feature a 6-hole disc mount. The saddle is a Bontrager Arvada with austenitic rails and a width of 138 mm. The seatpost is a Bontrager Line Elite Dropper with a 100 mm drop.

At the heart of the drivetrain is the Bosch Performance Line CX motor with a torque of 85 Nm, combined with a Bosch PowerTube battery with a capacity of 625 Wh. The display is the Bosch System Controller BRC3100, which is part of the Smart System. The battery can be charged using the Bosch standard charger with a current of 4 A.

The bike’s geometry comprises a reach of 44 mm, a stack of 62 mm, a seat tube length of 41 mm, a top tube length of 58 mm, a head tube angle of 65 degrees, a seat tube angle of 71 degrees, a head tube length of 10 mm, a chainstay length of 45 mm, a standover height of 76 mm and a wheelbase of 121 mm.

Overall, the Trek Rail 9.8 GX AXS Gen 4 offers an impressive blend of advanced technology, robust design and high performance, making it an excellent choice for discerning e-mountain bike riders.